The 3D Print Forum, a dedicated conference stream for 3D Print & Additive Manufacturing has been launched and will take place at InPrint 2014, in recognition of the growing role this exciting technology plays within the design and manufacturing process.

3D Printing utilises the same inkjet technology that has driven innovation in wide format printing and rapid prototyping is already being successfully deployed within many different manufacturing design departments around the world.

3D Printing assists the speed and production of innovation from design to production and as such is a compelling tool providing competitive advantage. Experts believe that the manufacturing process of the future will incorporate 3D printing within the production line, as opposed to it being deployed solely as a sophisticated prototyping solution.

As Professor Neil Hopkinson at University of Sheffield explains, “Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing is receiving a lot of interest with particular media attention on the lower cost systems that are appearing everywhere. However in the longer term I expect the higher cost, industrial systems, capable of displacing many of today’s industrial processes, will have the most profound impact on industry and society”.

The conference programme will feature speakers, experts, case studies of technology and innovation within the 3D printing sphere focusing upon 3D Print's integration into design and manufacturing.

"This exciting technology is grabbing the attention of the world, and with the recent launch of 4D Printing at the TED Conference in California in February, it makes sense for us to profile this rapidly growing area of technology and its awesome potential within the manufacturing sector to enrich the InPrint Show" concludes Marcus Timson, Co-Director, InPrint.